Obituary: Dr. Michael Suhl, 76, of Berkeley Heights

Dr. Michael Suhl, 76, of Berkeley Heights, died peacefully on March 6, 2014.
He practiced neurology in Summit and at Overlook Medical Center for over 40 years until his retirement in 2012.

Born on July 14, 1937 in Leipzig, Germany, Dr. Suhl was the only child of the late Jean and Sidney Suhl. He was raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., and became a proud, naturalized United States citizen. After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School, Dr. Suhl received a B.A. from Brooklyn College in 1958 and his M.D. from the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1962. Dr. Suhl completed his medical residency in neurology at New York University Medical Center (“NYU”), where he was chief resident. While pursuing his neurology residency, Dr. Suhl also completed a fellowship in rehabilitation medicine at NYU.
From 1964-1966 he was a lieutenant in the United States Navy, serving as a medical officer.

During his 40 years of practicing neurology, Dr. Suhl was known for his devotion to his patients. He was a long-standing member of the Bioethics Committee at Overlook Medical Center, and remained a member after his retirement. During his earlier years of practice Dr. Suhl enjoyed being a clinical professor of neurology at NYU and Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.

In his private life, Dr. Suhl was a classical music aficionado and gastronome, and in his younger years he was an avid skier.

Dr. Suhl is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Lisette Boulanger Suhl; two daughters, Martine Suhl and Natalie Suhl Bernardino; son-in-law Colin Bernardino; and beloved grandsons, Peter and Philip Bernardino. He will be missed enormously, but will be remembered for his warm and caring demeanor, modesty, probing intellect, brilliant wit, ethics, and deep commitment to his family and the medical profession.

Funeral services are private. A memorial service is being planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in memory of Dr. Suhl may be made to the Overlook Foundation, the Atlantic Neuroscience Center, 36 Upper Overlook Road, P.O. Box 220, Summit, NJ 07902-0220.